Thermage in Gangnam, Seoul | RESUM Plastic Surgery

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Thermage

THERMAGE

Non-surgical Thermage lifting that uses monopolar RF energy
to care for dermal firmness and skin texture.

Method: 60-90 min
Anesthesia
Recovery: Topical anesthesia · Daily activities right after; Summary Thermage is a non-invasive treatment that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the dermis to contract and regenerate collagen, improving firmness and skin texture. The epidermis is protected by cooling, and the treatment is performed at RESUM Plastic Surgery in Gangnam, Seoul (Apgujeong) with intensity adjusted for each area. Medical Review Medical Review: Won-Suk Kook,Jin-Young Kim
Last updated: 2026-08-10

Why Lisoom

Overview Monopolar RF Lifting That Works
Across the Entire Dermis

Thermage FLX is a non-surgical firming and lifting device that uses monopolar radiofrequency (RF) at about 6.78MHz.

It heats the dermis and subcutaneous fat layer uniformly over broad areas to induce immediate collagen contraction and new collagen synthesis, while the surface is protected by cooling. AccuREP measures tissue impedance in real time and automatically adjusts the energy for each area, and CPT (vibration and cooling) improves comfort during treatment.

DESIGN PRINCIPLE

Methods
How Thermage Works

Monopolar RF Mechanism SUTURE guide image

SutureMonopolar RF Mechanism

Thermage works by passing 6.78MHz monopolar capacitive RF through the capacitive layer of the epidermis to heat the entire dermis uniformly. The surface is protected by a real-time cooling spray, while the heat energy reaches the boundary between the dermis and subcutaneous fat, creating a three-dimensional heating zone. The result rests on a two-stage response: immediate contraction of dermal collagen, followed by new collagen synthesis by fibroblasts that builds up over 4-6 months.

6.78MHz Monopolar CRF Dermal Heating

HybridAccuREP & CPT Tips

FLX-generation tips come in three types: the Total Tip 4.0cm² for the face, the Eye Tip 0.25cm² (450 REP) for the eye area, and the Body Tip 16cm² for the body. The AccuREP algorithm measures skin impedance and temperature with every pulse and automatically adjusts the energy, while Comfort Pulse Technology (CPT) disperses pain through fine vibration and cooling. Different tips are used depending on the area and treatment zone.

4.0cm² Total 0.25cm² Eye 16cm² Body

PartialKey Applications

Thermage is suited to changes spread throughout the dermis, such as an overall loss of firmness, fine lines, a blurred facial contour, and pore texture. When sagging at the SMAS level is deep, combining it with Ultherapy, or considering a thread lift or facelift surgery first, is more appropriate. RESUM does not try to address every change with a single device; at the diagnosis stage, we clearly define what is suitable and explain it honestly.

Overall Firmness Fine Lines Blurred Contour

Shot Count & Intensity Planning INCISION guide image

IncisionShot Count & Intensity Planning

For the full face, 600-900 shots is the standard range, and when the neck and submental area are treated together, the range is 900-1,200 shots. Rather than simply filling a recommended shot count, we first decide how many shots to allocate to each area. When the skin is thin or the fat layer is insufficient, we conservatively lower the intensity and reduce the shot count to prevent the risk of burns and depressions.

600-900 Shots Tailored Distribution Conservative Planning

OUR PRINCIPLE

Core Values
The Principles RESUM Keeps

Even with the same Thermage device, the stability of the result depends on how it is used. At RESUM, Dr. Jin-Young Kim, who performs the treatment, personally assesses the distribution of sagging, skin thickness, and the fat layer in a 1:1 consultation before deciding the shot count, intensity, and distribution ratio. Our principle is not to apply a fixed package shot count as is, but to redesign the plan around each patient's tissue condition.

Custom Shots

Tailored Shot Distribution

Instead of applying the standard manual's 600-900 shots as is, we place more shots where sagging is greater and conservatively reduce them in thin areas. Drawing on clinical experience accumulated in anti-aging dermatology, we adjust the intensity by considering how energy disperses when one area is deep and the adjacent area is shallow. Even with the same treatment time, the distribution plan makes a difference in the result.

Safe Level

Safe Intensity

The greatest risks of Thermage are burns and subcutaneous fat atrophy caused by excessive intensity settings. RESUM does not rely on AccuREP automatic adjustment alone; we adjust the intensity while checking the patient's pain feedback and skin response in real time. Rather than pushing hard in a single session, we aim to build up gradual change within a safe range.

Honest Combine

Honest Advice on Combinations

When Thermage alone cannot adequately address a concern, we honestly recommend options such as Ultherapy, a thread lift, or facelift surgery. We do not tell patients that a single device can solve every problem; during the consultation, we decide together on the most reasonable combination for the patient's condition. This is also why RESUM provides integrated care spanning non-surgical treatments, surgery, and autologous cell-based care.

POINT 03 Features

Thermage Features

How Monopolar Radiofrequency Works

Thermage delivers monopolar radiofrequency at about 6.78MHz to the skin, heating the dermis and subcutaneous fat layer uniformly over broad areas. Heat generated by the vibration of water molecules raises the temperature of the dermis, causing immediate collagen contraction and then inducing new collagen synthesis. The surface is protected with cooling gas to reduce epidermal damage. Broad-area heating of the dermis and subcutaneous fat layer · Immediate collagen contraction + new collagen synthesis · Epidermal protection through surface cooling · Gradual improvement over several months after 1 session

AccuREP and CPT Technology

The AccuREP algorithm measures tissue impedance in real time with every shot and automatically adjusts the energy output for each area and skin type. CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology) adds vibration and cooling to reduce discomfort during treatment. The tip (transducer) is selected by area, such as for the face or the eye area. Real-time impedance measurement and automatic energy adjustment · Uniform depth and temperature delivery for each area · Treatment comfort through vibration and cooling · Dedicated tips selected by area

POINT 04 Q&A

Is a Stronger Single Session of Thermage Better?

First, maintaining the right temperature matters more than high output.

Collagen contraction occurs within a certain temperature range. For both results and safety, it matters more that the dermis sufficiently reaches and stays at the right temperature than that the output is simply as high as possible. Excessive output can increase pain and the risk of side effects.

Second, adjustment to match the impedance of each area is needed.

The forehead, cheeks, jawline, and eye area differ in skin thickness and water content, so the heat delivered differs even at the same output. Measuring the impedance of each area with AccuREP and adjusting the energy accordingly is what allows us to aim for a uniform result.

Third, a sufficient shot count and uniform coverage are important.

Applying the guideline shot count uniformly is what allows us to aim for improved firmness without variation between areas. Concentrating on only some areas or arbitrarily reducing shots may lead to uneven results.

NOTICE

Precautions
Aftercare & Precautions

N · 01 Monopolar radiofrequency is not used on patients with implanted electrical devices such as a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or implantable defibrillator.

N · 02 If there is a metal implant near the treatment area, we confirm its location during the consultation and adjust the treatment area accordingly.

N · 03 Immediate collagen contraction is partly noticeable right after treatment, while the new collagen response builds up over about 4-6 months, so it is advisable to evaluate the result over a longer period.

N · 04 In slim patients or areas with a thin fat layer, excessive intensity can cause depressions, so intensity and shot distribution are planned conservatively.

N · 05 Slight swelling and redness may occur for about 1-3 days right after treatment, and in rare cases mild swelling may last up to 1-2 weeks.

N · 06 In view of the dermal heating response, we recommend cutting back on saunas, hot compresses, strenuous exercise, and alcohol for about 1 week after treatment.

N · 07 Results vary with individual skin thickness and aging patterns, and we recommend a consultation with Dr. Jin-Young Kim before treatment.

PROCEDURE DATA

Summary
Treatment Overview

Procedure

Treatment Overview

Treatment time: 60-90 min
Anesthesia: Numbing cream
Daily activities: Right after
Duration: About 12 months

FOR WHOM

Candidates

Consider a Consultation If

05 Recommended Cases

01 Those with both fine lines and an overall loss of firmness who want to address the entire dermis rather than a single depth

02 Those who want to refine pore texture and a blurred facial contour together without surgery

03 Those who prefer to build up firmness care step by step on a 1-2 year cycle rather than seek a big change at once

04 Those whose schedule requires minimal downtime and a return to daily life and work right after treatment

05 Those considering a combination that addresses deep sagging with Ultherapy and the entire dermis with Thermage

Jin-Young Kim · M.D. - RESUM Plastic Surgery Clinic

Doctor's Note

Thermage is not a treatment with a single right answer. The shot count and intensity should differ each time according to the patient's skin condition. The step of redesigning the plan around the patient's tissue condition, within an academically validated range, determines the stability of the result. At RESUM, the director in charge of the treatment personally conducts the consultation and performs the treatment.

Jin-Young Kim · M.D.

Dr. Jin-Young Kim, Director

PROCEDURE FLOW

Process
Treatment Process

PHASE I

Diagnosis

We assess the distribution of sagging, dermal firmness, the texture of pores and fine lines, and past treatment history to determine whether Thermage alone is suitable.

CONSULT

PHASE II

Tip & Shot Planning

Within the 600-900 shot range for the full face, we plan a distribution that places more shots in areas with greater sagging and fewer in thin areas.

DESIGN

PHASE III

Treatment

After topical anesthesia, the Total Tip heats the entire dermis over broad areas, and the intensity is adjusted while checking pain feedback and skin response.

PROCEDURE

PHASE IV

Guidance

We explain follow-up care such as sun protection, the timing of the next treatment on a 1-2 year cycle, and combination options if needed.

STEP

FREQUENTLY ASKED

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled the questions patients ask most often before a consultation.

Q · 01 How exactly does Thermage work?

Thermage is a non-surgical lifting treatment that delivers 6.78MHz monopolar capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) uniformly throughout the dermis while cooling and protecting the skin surface, inducing immediate contraction of the collagen triple helix. At the same time, fibroblasts are stimulated, and new collagen synthesis builds up over 4-6 months. Because the epidermis is protected by cooling, the treatment involves no incisions and is performed after topical anesthesia.

Q · 02 How do Thermage FLX tips differ from the previous generation?

In the FLX generation, the AccuREP algorithm is built into the Total Tip 4.0cm² for the face, measuring impedance and temperature with every pulse and automatically adjusting the energy. Comfort Pulse Technology (CPT) has been added to disperse pain through fine vibration and cooling, and treatment is completed in about 25% less time than with the previous generation. The Eye Tip (0.25cm², 450 REP) for the eye area and the Body Tip (16cm²) for the body are used separately by area.

Q · 01 When do Thermage results start to show?

Some change is visible right after treatment from the immediate contraction of dermal collagen, and the result then settles as new collagen synthesis builds up gradually over 4-6 months. Since not all changes appear in the short term, we recommend allowing a longer period before evaluating the result.

Q · 01 How long is the recovery period after Thermage?

Because there are no incisions, you can return to daily activities right after treatment. Slight swelling and redness may appear for 1-3 days and, in rare cases, last up to 1-2 weeks, but no separate rest period is needed. The very short downtime is a major advantage of Thermage.

Q · 01 What side effects require the most caution with Thermage?

The points that call for the most caution are burns from excessive intensity settings and depressions caused by subcutaneous fat atrophy. The AccuREP algorithm adjusts automatically, but manual adjustment by the physician is also needed depending on the patient's skin thickness and fat distribution. As a principle, RESUM uses conservative intensity and checks patient feedback to prevent these risks.

Q · 01 How is the cost of Thermage determined?

The cost varies with the type of tip used (Total Tip, Eye Tip, or Body Tip), the number of shots, and the treatment area. There is no single fixed price; the cost is calculated from the treatment plan designed for each patient's condition. Exact details are explained during your consultation.

Thermage

Overview Monopolar RF Lifting That Works
Across the Entire Dermis